Pasco County encourages Florida-Friendly Landscaping under FL §373.185, which prohibits HOAs and local governments from preventing property owners from using drought-tolerant native plants. SWFWMD rebates support water-wise yards.
Florida Statute §373.185 (Florida-Friendly Landscaping Act) declares it state policy to encourage water-efficient landscaping, and explicitly prohibits any deed restriction, covenant, or local government ordinance from preventing a property owner from implementing Florida-Friendly Landscaping on their parcel. Pasco County's LDC and Code of Ordinances incorporate FFL principles, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) offers the 'Skip a Week' program and rebates for irrigation upgrades. UF/IFAS Extension in Pasco County maintains a demonstration garden in Dade City and publishes native plant lists suited to sandy, limestone-based Pasco soils (muhly grass, coontie, beautyberry, saw palmetto, live oak, gumbo limbo). Invasive species like Brazilian pepper, air potato, and Chinese tallow are discouraged and may be cited as nuisance vegetation. New subdivision landscape plans under the LDC must include drought-tolerant species and generally prohibit planting invasives on the FDACS Noxious Weed List.
No county fine for planting natives; HOAs attempting to enforce against FFL may be challenged under FL §373.185. Failure to control invasives may result in code enforcement notices. Subdivision landscape plan violations: permit non-compliance.
Pasco County, FL
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Pasco County, FL
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Pasco County, FL
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Pasco County, FL
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Pasco County, FL
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Pasco County, FL
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See how Pasco County's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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